Shao County, county government office.
"Sir, the official document for the provincial examination has arrived!"
Cao Qian was working in the hall when a yamen runner rushed in.
"Oh? Did any students from our county make the list this year?"
"Yes, sir. Only one person from our county made the list. Li Qingyao from the Li family ranked thirteenth on the main list!"
The yamen runner knew that his master was now related to the Li family by marriage, and Li Qingyao was also a member of the Li family. After all, when one person achieves success, even their chickens and dogs benefit. If Li Qingyao prospered, the Li family wouldn't suffer.
"This child is truly a prodigy. It's his first time taking the exam, and he's achieved such a high ranking. It's no easy feat."
Cao Qian was overjoyed. After the provincial examination, it would be time for his daughter's marriage to Li Qingzhang. Now, the Li family had another successful candidate in the provincial examination and the adopted son of General Ouyang. Their future was truly limitless.
"Quickly send a retinue to deliver the good news."
Cao Qian made the arrangements and then quickly sent his servant back to report the news. After all, it was a happy occasion in his in-laws' family, and his family naturally had to show their support.
"Go back quickly and tell the lady this good news."
"Yes, sir!"
Madam Cao was also delighted to hear this news; the Li family was united. First, Li Qingtong had become Ouyang Cheng's godfather, and now Li Qingyao had passed the imperial examination. It was clear that the Li family was rising in status.
As expected of a married couple, they were thinking the same thing.
Madam Cao quickly prepared congratulatory gifts and had the steward personally deliver them.
The government officials set off with great fanfare, heading towards Li Family Village, while the Cao family, traveling light and simply, arrived at Li Family Village even earlier.
"Grandmother, the Cao family has arrived."
Upon hearing that the Cao family had arrived, Li Qing immediately went to Pan Jinhua to deliver the message.
"Did my future sister-in-law bring something to my brother?"
"What is Huqin?"
Pan Jinhua rolled her eyes at this improper look. After the Li and Cao families got engaged, it was only natural for Cao Ying, as the future daughter-in-law of the Li family, to send some needles and thread over during festivals. Li Qing, as Li Qingzhang's younger brother, had naturally also received needles and thread from Cao Ying.
"It's the time when the results of the provincial examinations are being released, and since my in-law is the county magistrate, he must have already received the official documents from above. His arrival at this time probably means that Qingyao has some good news! Let's go and listen."
"really?"
Li Qingyao jumped up on the spot, excited. The clan hadn't actually expected Li Qingyao to pass the provincial examination on his first try, given its difficulty; it wasn't an easy task. They were confident, however, that Li Qingyao was young, and if he didn't pass the first time, he could pass on the second.
lobby.
"Master Li, Madam Li, I've come to offer my congratulations. Is Madam Yan here?"
As soon as Steward Cao entered, he greeted Li Xuming and his wife, as they were in-laws and it was best to be friendly.
He then got straight to the point, wanting to see Yan Min, since she was Li Qingyao's mother, and he couldn't let her miss out on this news.
The two understood immediately, and their already smiling faces became even brighter.
"I thought the magpies were chattering all day, but it turns out they must be here. Steward Cao, please wait a moment, I'll go and fetch them right away!"
Liu Yun walked out with a beaming smile. This was great news. Yan Min had been worried for so long, and now she could finally relax.
When they found Yan Min, she was making hairpins. Hairpins were very popular throughout Ning'an Prefecture, and many people would travel long distances to place orders. However, the Li family was not short of money these days, and making hairpins was just a hobby; they were taking fewer orders.
However, this also caused the price of velvet hairpins to skyrocket.
"Why are you here at this hour? Aren't you busy at home?"
With Li Qingzhang and Cao Ying's wedding approaching, Liu Yun has been so busy lately that she hasn't even seen her.
"Today is a day of great joy! Stop embroidering! The Cao family has arrived. It seems Qingyao has brought back good news!"
Yan Min stood frozen in place, Liu Yun's voice fading into the distance, feeling as if she were floating on clouds.
"Don't just stand there, the person is still waiting. Let's go listen to what they have to say."
Liu Yun shook Yan Min's shoulder, pulling her out of her thoughts, "You can't be distracted right now, they still have to say it to your face."
"Sister-in-law, you flatter me. We'll head over now."
Yan Min's voice was already a little hoarse when she spoke, but Liu Yun pretended not to notice. The two walked back to the main hall, and Yan Min walked with the wind on her feet, wishing she had two more pairs of legs.
"Greetings, Madam Yan. My master and mistress have sent me to deliver a message: Your son has passed the imperial examination! He is now a scholar and should be on his way home. I arrived quickly, and the official procession will be arriving later."
"Congratulations, Madam! Congratulations, Madam!"
As soon as Steward Cao saw Yan Min come in, he quickly told her the good news and offered his congratulations.
"Thank you so much, Lord Cao and Madam Cao."
Despite being mentally prepared, Yan Min still couldn't help but tear up.
Since the Li family was convicted, the mother and son have been under immense psychological pressure. As the only child of the main family, Qingyao's mother felt deeply for him. To return to officialdom, Qingyao worked tirelessly regardless of the weather, and now that he has passed the imperial examination, he is one step closer to his goal.
She was happy for him and excited for him.
"Look at this, they're so happy they're crying. If my son were as promising as Qingyao, I would cry too. Steward Cao, I wonder how my son-in-law did on his exam?"
Liu Yun spoke up for him, invited Steward Cao to have tea, and inquired about Gao Chuan's situation.
When Mo Qiaoniang heard that the Cao family had come to spread good news, she quickly followed Li Xushi over. Just then, she overheard Liu Yun asking questions and looked at Steward Cao with expectant eyes.
As the entire room of Li family members stared at him, Butler Cao couldn't help but chuckle, inwardly marveling once again at how harmonious the Li family was.
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